By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Nov 15: The measures and initiatives announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during his winding up speech and State Budget 2021 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly a few days ago will create prosperity for Sarawakians and bring Sarawak forward in a fair manner.
Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda) Kuching branch chairman Dato Sim Kiang Chiok believed that the current Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government understands the peoples’ needs and aspirations.
Thus, he is confident that with Abang Johari’s wise planning, Sarawak is embarking on the right strategies to move towards a high income and developed state by 2030.
“On the 12 initiatives as in the state budget designed by CM, it is to create an investment environment and ecosystem for the private sector to invest, and was crafted to suit a new economic development model.
“They are comprehensive and far-sighted initiatives, yet supporting our immediate need to pump prime our economy in this pandemic.
“They encourage modern methods and right strategies to propel Sarawak forward,” he said in a statement.
At the same time, Sim, who is also a director of Sim Swee Yong Development and Construction Sdn Bhd commended Abang Johari for his foresight in applying for a Digital Bank licence with Bank Negara Malaysia to serve the digital economy of Sarawak.
He opined that it was an important part of the puzzle for creating Sarawak’s own digital economy that will bring success, as businesses need capital to function properly and to compete in the world digital marketplace.
The State Budget 2021 was a smart budget as it took into consideration the strength of Sarawak to move the state forward and encourage the use of new technology such as in digital economy to overcome weaknesses, he added.
He also noted Sarawak will generate more revenue from the yearly contribution of the State Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products.
Sim believed the additional contribution will ease Sarawak’s planning and budgeting to move the state forward for a bright future for Sarawak and Sarawakians. — DayakDaily
